CFA raised strong concerns in response to PMRA’s proposed special review decision on dicamba. The proposal includes cancelling post‑emergence dicamba use in dicamba‑tolerant soybeans, cancelling dicamba use in seed production, reducing allowable application height in corn, and modifying buffer zones. CFA warns these changes would have significant impacts on weed management, production costs, seed supply, and long‑term farm sustainability.
CFA argued that PMRA has not adequately assessed practical alternatives, which may be less effective, more costly, or could accelerate resistance. Removing dicamba would undermine integrated pest management (IPM) systems, threaten yields, and reduce competitiveness. Seed supply stability could also be negatively affected by cancelling dicamba use in seed production.
CFA stressed that the proposal may unintentionally increase agronomic risk over time by contributing to weed resurgence, more rapid resistance development, and reduced IPM options.
CFA’s recommendation included:
- Pause the current decision process and engage in deeper consultations with farmers, commodity groups, and registrants.
- Assess the full economic and operational impacts on producers, recognizing the central role of dicamba in managing resistant weeds and maintaining crop competitiveness.
- Strengthen PMRA’s consultation and evaluation system, including earlier stakeholder engagement, clearer data transparency, and structured ongoing dialogue.
- Update PMRA’s mandate to include economic impact, competitiveness, and food security considerations in regulatory decisions.